Rabbi Tamar Manasseh

Rabbi Tamar Manasseh founded Mothers and Men Against Senseless Killings (MASK) in 2015, following the shooting death of Lucille Barnes on the south side of Chicago. Since then, the mother of two, who received her rabbinical training from The Israelite Academy, presented by The Israelite Board of Rabbis, has been focusing on preventing gun violence and addressing its underlying causes of poverty, joblessness, food insecurity and a failing educational system. MASK’s mission is to put “eyes on the streets,” interrupt violence and crime, and teach children to grow up as friends rather than enemies. The organization partners with others in the community to ensure everyone has access to necessary city services, opportunities for education and professional skills growth, and economic development. Rabbi Manasseh also helped launch MASK initiatives in cities throughout the nation, including Evansville, Staten Island and Memphis. She is the subject of the 2023 film Rabbi on the Block, documenting her journey as a Black Jewish woman becoming ordained as a rabbi.